As I read Oct. 14th, 2009's half page ad in the Eastern Wake News, paid for by Citizens for Wendell's Progress, I couldn't help thinking about a comment made by a candidate for commissioner."These seats are not for sale, but for trust only." Really?

Four of the signatures on the signed ad were made by two current Town Board Commissioners, and two current planning board members. The advertisement was a personal attack on two candidates running for town Commissioner. Now, perhaps these town board and planning board members, who signed the ad, missed the meetings about Wendell's Code of Ethics, or, perhaps, they didn't understand the content, or, perhaps, they chose to ignore them. I attended those meetings. I understood the content.

Just for public knowledge, the Wendell Code of Ethics was adopted July 14, 2008, effective Aug. 1, 2008. Section 3: Conduct of Members- "The professional and personal conduct of members must be above reproach, and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Members shall refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of other members of Boards and Commissions, the Staff, or the Public."

Well, the way I interpret that, the ad was a violation of our code, and as a citizen of Wendell, I invoke my right "to intervene when actions of members that appear to be in violation of the Code of Ethics are brought to my attention." I think it was brought to all of eastern Wake County's attention, along with mine. So, my question is: What are you going to do about it? Anything? Sweep it under the carpet? Allow for "flexibility?" Slap their wrists? Possibly, nothing?

I would still like to believe that we create rules to have them followed. I look forward to your response or action.

Jenny Melton

Wendell

Editor's note: This letter was addressed to Mayor Harold Broadwell, Town Manager David Bone and Town Attorney Jim Cauley.